Bundesliga Playoffs: VfB Stuttgart's Relegation Battle

Stuttgart Secures Hinspiel Win in Relegation Clash

The Bundesliga relegation playoffs kicked off on May 26th, 2023, with a thrilling encounter between Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart. The stakes were high, as the winner would remain in the Bundesliga, while the loser would be relegated to the 2. Bundesliga.

Neck-and-Neck First Leg

In the first leg, played at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart claimed a narrow 3-0 victory. The match was closely contested, but Stuttgart's clinical finishing proved decisive. Mateo Klimowicz opened the scoring in the 25th minute, followed by goals from Serhou Guirassy and Silas Katompa Mvumpa in the 53rd and 62nd minutes, respectively.

Stuttgart Extends Advantage in Second Leg

The second leg, held on June 2nd, 2023, at the Volksparkstadion, saw Stuttgart continue their dominance. Despite Hamburger SV's early pressure, Stuttgart's defense held firm. In the 68th minute, Katompa Mvumpa struck once again, extending Stuttgart's lead to 4-0 on aggregate.

VfB Stuttgart Avoids Relegation, HSV Faces Drop

The victory clinched Stuttgart's Bundesliga status, while Hamburger SV was relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. The defeat marked the end of HSV's eight-year stay in the top flight, while Stuttgart secured their place in the Bundesliga for another season.